Vince Gill Wins His 4th Straight Country Award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vince Gill made country music history Wednesday by becoming the first person to win top male vocalist four straight times. He also was voted entertainer of the year at the 28th annual Country Music Assn. awards.

"I'm so thankful to be a part of it. I won't take it lightly. I'll treat you with class," the 37-year-old said in accepting the award at the Grand Ole Opry House.

He shared another award as part of the all-star compilation "Common Thread: The Songs of the Eagles," which won best album.

Pam Tillis won female vocalist of the year, denying Mary Chapin Carpenter a third straight honor in that category.

John Michael Montgomery exclaimed, "I love this country," as he accepted the single of the year award for "I Swear."

Jackson and Jim McBride won song of the year, a songwriter's award, for Jackson's rollicking hit "Chattahoochee."

Brooks & Dunn won their third straight vocal duo award. Also winning for the third straight time was Diamond Rio for top vocal group, equaling the awards in the category earned in the 1980s by The Judds and Alabama.